In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of operating a gaming system, comprising: for at least one wagered on play of a wagering game: (i) causing at least one processor to execute a plurality of instructions to determine a wagering game outcome, (ii) causing at least one display device to display the determined wagering game outcome to a player, (iii) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to determine, based on a first paytable, any awards associated with the determined wagering game outcome, and (iv) causing the at least one display device to display any determined awards to the player; causing the at least one processor to execute a plurality of instructions to calculate a speed of play associated with the at least one wagered on play of the wagering game; causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to replace the first paytable with a second different paytable based on the calculated speed of play; and for the at least one wagered on play of the wagering game: (i) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to determine, based on the second, different paytable, any awards associated with the determined wagering game outcome, and (ii) causing the at least one display device to display any determined awards to the player.
A gaming system adjusts payouts based on player speed. For each play, the system determines the game outcome, displays it, and calculates an initial award using a first paytable. Then, the system calculates the player's speed of play. Based on this speed, it replaces the first paytable with a second, different paytable. Finally, the system recalculates the award based on the new paytable and displays the revised award. The core idea is to incentivize faster play by offering potentially higher payouts when a player reaches a certain speed threshold.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to calculate the speed of play is based on at least one time interval between at least two events associated with the at least one play of the wagering game.
The gaming system, which adjusts payouts based on player speed, calculates the player's speed by measuring the time interval between game events. Specifically, the time between two events associated with a play of the wagering game. This time interval is used to determine how quickly the player is playing the game, which then affects the paytable used for determining payouts. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the payout structure based on player activity.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying to the player an indication that the probability that the player will receive a favorable outcome has increased.
The game tells the player when their chances of winning have improved.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least two events are wagering events.
In the gaming system that calculates speed of play based on time intervals, the two events used for timing are wagering events. This means the system measures the time between wagers placed by the player. For example, the time between pressing the "spin" button or the time between placing a bet in a card game. The shorter the time, the faster the play, leading to potential paytable adjustments.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to replace the first paytable with the second different paytable includes causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to change a nonfavorable outcome to a favorable outcome.
In the gaming system, replacing the initial paytable with a different one involves changing unfavorable outcomes into favorable ones. This means that a result that would have previously been a loss now becomes a win due to the change in the paytable. The adjustment directly increases the player's chances of receiving an award based on their speed of play.
6. The method of claim 5 , which includes causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to change a combination of reel symbols from a nonwinning reel symbols combination to a winning reel symbols combination.
Further detailing the system, the change from a non-favorable outcome to a favorable outcome involves changing a combination of reel symbols from a non-winning combination to a winning one. If the player achieves a specific symbol combination and plays at a qualifying rate, that combination, which originally would not have won, now results in a payout, directly impacting the game's payout structure.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein changing a nonfavorable outcome to a favorable outcome comprises changing a reel symbol from a nonfavorable symbol for the player to a favorable symbol for the player.
Continuing the mechanism of outcome modification, changing a non-favorable outcome to a favorable outcome means changing a reel symbol from a non-favorable symbol for the player to a favorable symbol for the player. For example, a symbol that wouldn't normally contribute to a win could be transformed into a wild symbol or a higher-paying symbol based on the player's speed of play.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein increasing a probability that a player will receive a favorable outcome comprises adding a wild reel symbol.
When the system increases the probability of a favorable outcome, it does so by adding a wild reel symbol. The wild symbol can substitute for other symbols, increasing the chances of forming a winning combination. This implementation provides a direct and easily understandable benefit to the player for maintaining a faster pace of play.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein increasing a probability that a player will receive a favorable outcome comprises changing a reel symbol to a wild symbol.
Increasing the probability of a favorable outcome involves changing a regular reel symbol into a wild symbol. During the game, a symbol that was initially a standard one becomes a wild symbol that can substitute for others, making it easier to form winning combinations. This dynamically adapts the game state to improve the player's winning odds.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein increasing a probability that a player will receive a favorable outcome comprises providing additional chances for the player to receive a favorable outcome.
To increase the likelihood of a player receiving a favorable outcome, the system provides additional chances for the player to win. Instead of only modifying the paytable or symbols, the system awards opportunities to play again or to receive extra spins that enhance the player’s probability of success.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein additional chances for the player to receive a favorable outcome include at least one free play.
The system's additional chances for the player to receive a favorable outcome specifically include at least one free play. A free play allows the player to spin the reels or play the game again without wagering additional money, effectively increasing their chances of winning without additional cost.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein additional chances for the player to receive a favorable outcome include allowing a player to keep at least one reel symbol for at least one additional play.
The additional chances for the player to receive a favorable outcome include allowing a player to keep at least one reel symbol for at least one additional play. This held symbol increases the chances of winning on the next play. This provides a strategic advantage for the player and extends the excitement.
13. The method of claim 1 , further including causing the at least one display device to display the speed of play to the player.
The gaming system, which adjusts payouts based on speed of play, also displays the current speed of play to the player. This allows the player to see how fast they are playing and understand how close they are to triggering the paytable adjustments. It provides direct feedback and incentivizes faster play.
14. The method of claim 13 , further including causing the at least one display device to display a speed of play required to replace the first paytable with the second different paytable.
The gaming system displays both the current speed of play and the speed of play required to trigger the switch from the first to the second, different paytable. This provides clear information to the player about what pace they need to maintain to unlock the increased payout potential, enhancing engagement and strategic play.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising displaying a rate of play required to increase a probability that the player will receive a favorable outcome.
Beyond simply showing the speed of play, the system also displays the rate of play required to increase the probability that the player will receive a favorable outcome. This provides clear guidance to the player, showing them exactly what they need to do to improve their chances of winning, beyond any paytable adjustments.
16. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least two events occur during a single gaming session.
The gaming system calculates speed of play using the time between two events. These two events occur during a single gaming session, meaning the speed calculation and subsequent paytable adjustments are based on the player's activity within a limited timeframe. This provides a dynamic and responsive gaming experience.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to replace the first paytable with the second different paytable is restricted to the single gaming session.
Within a single gaming session, the system replaces the first paytable with the second paytable based on speed of play, but this paytable replacement is restricted to that single gaming session. Once the session ends, the paytable reverts back, and the speed calculation starts anew in the next session. It is temporary and session-based.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two events occur over a plurality of gaming sessions.
The gaming system calculates speed of play using events that occur over multiple gaming sessions. This means that the system tracks the player's speed over a longer period, potentially rewarding consistent faster play across multiple visits to the gaming device or system, building a long-term relationship with the player.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 3, 2006
August 6, 2013
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